NAPSA UNVEILS K4.6M MARATHON
…3,000 runners set for Lusaka showdown
By Cecilia Nayame
THE National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has launched a K4.6 million Pensioners Marathon set for July 25 in Lusaka.
The inaugural event dubbed: ‘Your Health is Your Wealth,’ will be held in partnership with the Lusaka Fitness Squad (LFS), with about 3,000 active and non-active runners from all age groups across the country expected to participate.
Speaking during the launch yesterday, NAPSA director-general Muyangwa Muyangwa said the marathon would go beyond competition to promote health and wellness in line with national priorities.
Muyangwa said the event will also be used to educate the public on the benefits of the Authority.
“Beyond the run itself, the marathon will serve several strategic objectives, among them promoting health and wellness in line with national priorities, as well as positioning NAPSA as a people-centred institution committed to holistic wellbeing,” he said.
Muyangwa urged members of the public to register and take part in the historic event.
“The event is not restricted but open to all age groups. Everyone is invited to come and participate,” Muyangwa said.
He said the Pensioners Marathon was expected to become an annual fixture.
“Most importantly, this marathon is envisioned not as a one-off activity, but as an annual flagship event, a national symbol of wellness, unity and shared responsibility,” he said.
LFS president Katai Chola commended NAPSA for the partnership aimed at promoting health and wellbeing through sport.
“It is never too late to run and stay fit. For this reason, we are appealing to all members of the community to come and be part of the event,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Athletics (ZA) president Bernard Bwalya said the association would use the marathon to identify emerging talent.
“We are happy to be part of this event. We thank NAPSA for going further to organise a marathon that will benefit many. As ZA, we are also pleased that the event is open to elite athletes,” he said.
Participants will compete in the 5km, 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km race categories, all of which will offer prize money.
